For 24/7 Mental Health Support, health insurance members can chat online or call 1800 644 325.~ Find out more here

Supporting someone you care about

How to support a family member, friend or loved one with a mental health issue.

You're there for them, we're here for you

The understanding and support of a family member or friend can make a meaningful difference to someone experiencing mental health issues. It’s equally important you have the right information to offer timely and reliable support. Here are some steps you can take to help, including how to help yourself when you’re supporting a loved one. 

Jump to section: Looking after yourself | Supporting a child | Supporting a friend or loved one

Looking after yourself when supporting someone

It can be easy to forget about our own mental health needs when we’re supporting someone else’s. We’ll show you how to can stay in tune with your mental health, plus some practical ways to look after yourself.

Supporting your child

Changes in mood and behaviour are part and parcel of growing up. As are moments of stress and anxiety. We’ll help you understand what your child may be going through, and when they may need a little more support.

A young girl looks at her smartphone.

Caring for your child's mental health

It’s normal to see changes in your child’s behaviours and emotions as they grow up but if you’re noticing significant differences in their mood or behaviour, they may need some extra support. Here are some tips about what to do.             

Supporting mental health through early childhood

Promoting good mental health is key to your child’s development through their primary school years. Here’s how can you make sure they’re getting what they need and how to spot the signs that they might be struggling.

How to support your anxious child

Occasionally feeling scared or fearful is all part of growing up. But some kids find it much harder to manage stressful situations like starting kinder or school: here's how to support them. 

Managing back to school anxiety

Heading back after a new school year can be a stressful time for children of all ages. Here’s how you can help make the transition easier.

 

What to do if your child is being bullied

Watching your child experience bullying can be heartbreaking. Thankfully there are some things you can do. 

Is your child drinking too much?

Binge drinking is a common problem in Australia, and young adults tend to be more at risk. It can be difficult to know when drinking is a problem for your child, and what to do about it. Here's how to start the conversation.

Supporting a friend or loved one

Friends can often be the first responders for people experiencing stress or anxiety. So don’t be afraid to check in and let them know you’re there. We’ll take you through some things to keep in mind when you do.

When someone you care about won't get help

Tactics that will help you be there for someone who needs support, even if they don’t want to admit it.

How to support a colleague with depression          

Learn what to say and how to be supportive when a workmate is going through a hard time.

Young man experiencing depression during social isolation.

Tips for supporting a friend or loved one                  

If you have someone in your life who you’re worried about don’t be afraid to check in and let them know you’re there. Here are some things to keep in mind when you do.

Home Support Services can deliver Home Support Packages to help older Australians live safely and comfortably in their own home.

Anxiety and depression in older people

Learn to identify the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in an older person, for yourself or someone you care about.                

How to have a conversation about suicide 

Talking to someone you love about suicide isn't easy, but it could save their life. Here are some tips from Beyond Blue about how to approach it.

Seeking help: the basics 

When you're worried about someone you care about and want to help them, it's hard to know where to begin. Here are the basics.

Make the most of your cover 

As an eligible Medibank member, you get more than just health insurance. You get extra support when you need it most. 

Medibank Better Minds App 

Want to manage your mental health on your own terms, in your own time? Medibank’s Better Minds app provides personalised support and follow ups by health professionals for those at risk, all included in your hospital cover.

No waiting periods on psychology and counselling consultations

You shouldn’t have to wait for your health insurance to claim for mental health support. That’s why there are no waiting periods for counselling and psychology consultations on Medibank extras and packaged products.§

Telehealth services

Access mental health services from the comfort of your own home. Medibank members with eligible extras can access psychology or counselling consultations face-to-face or through telehealth, with benefits payable towards Medibank recognised Counsellors only.#

Looking for more?
Learn more about using your cover and exclusive services to support you and your family. View all services.

Things you need to know

~ Some referred services may involve out of pocket costs and waiting periods may apply.

Not available for members with extras only cover, Overseas Student Health Cover or Overseas Workers or Visitors Health Cover.

# Check your cover summary to see if these services are included on your extras cover and if annual limits apply.  Counsellors must be registered with Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Traditional Medicine Society.   

§ For members with mental health support included in their Extras cover. Annual limits apply. Counsellors must be registered with Australian Counselling Association, Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, Australian Traditional Medicine Society.   

While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).